Sweden: Eritrean striker Goitom remains AIK captain

Eritrean international Henok Goitom enjoys the confidence of the coachPhoto: omni.se

Eritrean international Henok Goitom will stay on as captain of newly-crowned Swedish football champions, AIK.

After taking over as skipper last season, the Eritrean striker led AIK to its first Allsvenskan win since 2009, scoring 12 times in the campaign to be the club’s top markman. The 34-year-old was rewarded with a new contract which states that he will become assistant coach after he hangs up his boots.

For title winning Coach Rikard Norling, the choice was obviously to give Goitom continued confidence in that role. ” Henok did a fantastic job in 2018 and had a great impact on the team and it therefore feels natural that he continues in the role as well as 2019, the coach said, according to the club’s website.

“I am honored as it is a big assignment in AIK. It is seldom that team captains are replaced and it has before me only been two team captains in the club since 2005. To win SM gold during my first year as the captain is something I take with me all my life,” Goitom responded.

Meanwhile, Sierra Loenean striker Mohammed Buya Turay has returned to the Swedish premiership on loan at Djurgarden after just five months in Belgium’s top football league.

The 24-year-old joined Sint Truidense from the now relegated Dalkurd last summer in a three-year deal but has not secured a place, making only six appearances and scoring once.

Also, Nigerian forward Kennedy Igboananike has joined Saudi side Al Hazm after refusing to sign a new deal with Orebro, where has spent the last two seasons.